With the new dining change from Aramark to Chartwells, many aspects of the Coates Student Center dining experience have changed. The implementation of touch-screen technology aims to increase efficiency, however, that may not be the case.

The Trinitonian asked students in Coates Library about the new transition into touchscreen ordering.

Rudy Castro, junior communication major and math minor
What do you think about the new dining ordering system?
“The app [Boost Mobile Food Ordering] is pretty beneficial, but the in-person line sucks.”
How much more convenient is the touchscreen system?
“I don’t think it’s convenient at all for one reason: when you do your order, yes it goes fast[er], however, the processing time and marking down your order takes longer.”
Do you think the food has improved?
“Overall, I think it’s good. The burgers are solid, and they had Singh’s which is pretty good. The food overall has gotten better, but the way you order food isn’t the way.”
What could be improved with the new system?
“Get rid of the system, like the ordering at the kiosks.”

Camila Rodriguez, sophomore international studies and political science double-major
What do you think about the new dining ordering system?
“I think that the new dining ordering system is a little bit chaotic and hectic. For me the app didn’t work at first, so I got frustrated. So, I had to order at the kiosk, which was an event. But I think if you get there early you luck out but if you don’t, womp-womp.”
How much more convenient is the touch screen system?
“I think it might be a little less convenient and might be prone to spreading germs actually because I feel like there has been a rise of COVID cases.”
Do you think the food has improved?
“I think it has, but I also did not have any major qualms with last year’s food. I was like a Mabee supporter and I’m always gonna be a Mabee supporter. But on the record, yes the food is better.”

Lauren Elliott, junior political science major and global supply chain management minor
What do you think about the new dining ordering system?
“I think it’s trying to be more efficient because there’s a technology aspect, but I don’t think the technology aspect has enough qualities in it to make it more efficient.”
How much more convenient is the touchscreen system?
“It’s not more convenient because there’s not enough to spread out the amount of people. Now in regards to the app, I think that was a really good idea but, because there’s so many glitches with the app, I don’t think it’s actually been much more efficient.”
Do you think the food has improved?
“I think some aspects of the food, yes. I think that some healthier options have been added and I also think there’s more variety in gluten-free, dairy-free and allergy options.”

Adrianna Brell, junior economics major
What do you think about the new dining ordering system?
“I actually really like it because I can order from my phone and it is fairly easy to use when you go up to the screen. It is kind of a long line, but overall I like it because I can use the app.”
Is the touchscreen system more convenient?
“I would say so because sometimes there would be a miscommunication whereas the touch screen doesn’t have that.”
Do you think the food has improved?
“I’ve only gone to Singh’s, so for that I would say yes, but I feel like I can’t give a full opinion on that.”

Eva Cheng, sophomore art history major
What do you think about the new dining ordering system?
“I think the idea was good, but at the same time it feels like it’s going by much slower because the systems are really slow and sometimes don’t work.”
How much more convenient is the touchscreen system?
“I would say it’s not that much more convenient because it is really slow and the lines seem to be longer than usual.”
Do you think the food has improved?
“Honestly, yeah I do think the food is actually better. I think there’s a lot more options which I like.”
What could be improved with the new system?
“I would say just making sure it’s working for everyone, and that it doesn’t just shut down sometimes and does actually take your meal swipes and Bonus Bucks.”